New opportunities at the intersection of Industrial, Manufacturing and Food
Since 1 March, Hans Hilbrands and Jakob Jan Verbraak have been part of the Van de Groep & Olsthoorn team. With many years of experience in the food sector, they bring valuable expertise and a fresh perspective to a market that is evolving rapidly. In this article, we look back on their first 100 days and share their vision for the future of entrepreneurial leadership in the food industry. Their arrival allows us to better support not only the food sector, but also organisations operating at the intersection of Industrial, Manufacturing and Food.

The power of combining Industrial, Manufacturing and Food
The power of combining industrial, manufacturing and food
The Dutch food sector is undergoing significant change. In 2023, the Dutch food industry grew to a total production value of over €114 billion. This represents nearly one-fifth of the country’s total industrial production value, making it the largest subsector in the Netherlands, followed by the chemical and machinery industries. In 2024, the number of companies increased by more than 8% to 9,155 businesses*. This highlights just how dynamic the food sector is — and the growing demand for new leadership and innovation.

What immediately struck Hans and Jakob Jan was the enormous potential in the synergy between industrial, manufacturing and food. “The combination of these sectors offers plenty of new opportunities,” says Hans. “Think of companies that supply machinery, packaging solutions or automation to the food industry. It’s precisely at these intersections that exciting opportunities often emerge.”
Wim de Kruijf, Managing Director of Van de Groep & Olsthoorn, agrees and adds, “Hans and Jakob Jan’s experience in the food sector aligns perfectly with our expertise in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. By bringing these worlds together, we’re able to better support organisations operating within this dynamic landscape.”

Think of companies that supply machinery, packaging solutions or automation to the food industry. It’s precisely at these intersections that interesting opportunities often arise.

International opportunities: a network without borders
In addition to the focus on technological and industrial developments, the international network of Van de Groep & Olsthoorn offers Hans and Jakob Jan a wealth of opportunities. Through our partnerships with the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) and Interim Management Worldwide (IMW), international roles can be identified more quickly, with direct access to candidates across the globe. Hans explains: “More and more companies in the food sector are looking beyond their national borders. Thanks to this network, we can respond swiftly and find the right people – wherever they are.”

First impressions of the culture and team
For Hans and Jakob Jan, it was an inspiring start at Van de Groep & Olsthoorn,not just because of the sector and its opportunities, but also because of the company culture. Jakob Jan says:
“What struck me straight away was the open and informal atmosphere within the company. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge, and there’s a genuine shared focus on growth, both personal and professional. It feels like a close-knit team, where people listen to one another and offer real support.”
Hans adds: “It’s clear that at Van de Groep & Olsthoorn, there’s not only a focus on results, but also on the people who make those results possible. There’s plenty of room for personal development, and for me, that’s an essential part of success in a sector that’s constantly evolving.”

Future-focused leaders for a dynamic sector
After 100 days, Hans and Jakob Jan look ahead with confidence. Hans says:
“What appeals to us is the combination of being results-driven while keeping an eye on the long term. Leadership plays a key role in this: companies are looking for people who not only make a difference today, but who remain relevant tomorrow and are ready to face the challenges of the future.”

Jakob Jan: “What I definitely see is that leaders in the food sector can no longer just respond to current trends, but must also tackle long-term challenges such as digitalisation, sustainability and the protein transition. Emerging leaders need to understand how to integrate sustainability and technology into their strategies while keeping the consumer at the heart of everything they do.”

Hans and Jakob Jan know exactly what it takes to quickly bring the right people to the table. They understand the challenges companies face today and which profiles best fit those needs.

Wim de Kruijf: “Hans and Jakob Jan know exactly what it takes to quickly bring the right people to the table. They understand the challenges companies face today and which profiles best suit those needs. This enables us to strengthen businesses not only now but also in the future, by providing them with the leaders who will help shape the sector going forward.”

Source: FNLI, Food Industry Monitor 2024